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Sepik languages
Information on the language
Where are Sepik languages spoken?
These languages are spoken in northern Papua New Guinea, in the basin of the River Sepik.
Total number of speakers (estimate):
This section will be further developed later.
Classification
The Sepik family includes 56 languages at this time:
Walio sub-group
Pei
Tuwari
Walio
Yawiyo
Biksi sub-group
Kimki
Yetfa (alternative name : biksi)
Upper Sepik branch
Abau
Iwam sub-group
Amal
May River Iwam
Sepik Iwam
Wogamusin sub-group
Chenapian
Wogamusin
Ram sub-group
Autu
Karawa
Pouye (alternative name: bouye)
Tama sub-group
Ayi
Mehek
Pahi
Pasi
Yessan-Mayo
Yellow River sub-group
Ak
Awun
Namia
Middle Sepik Branch
Yerakai
Nukuma sub-group
Kwanga
Kwoma
Seim
Ndu sub-group
Abelam
Boiken
Iatmul
Kaunga
Kwasengen
Manambu
Ngala
Sawos
Sepik Hill Branch
Sanio sub-group
Bikaru
Gabiano
Hewa
Paka
Piame
Sanio
Bahinemo sub-group
Bahinemo
Bitara
Bisis
Kapriman
Mari
Sumariup
Watakataui
Alamblak sub-group
Kaningara
Alamblak
Comments on the classification:
These languages have sometimes been associated with Ramu languages in a hypothetical « Sepik-Ramu » family, but this grouping is no longer considered to be valid. The Middle and Upper Sepik branches are contraversial. We are adopting Ross’s classification (2005).
Are the Sepik languages endangered ?
At this time we have no information concerning the vitality of these languages. This section will be further developed later.
Sources & links
Ross, Malcolm. «Pronouns as a preliminary diagnostic for grouping Papuan languages ». in Andrew Pawley, Robert Attenborough, Robin Hide, Jack Golson, eds.. Papuan pasts: cultural, linguistic and biological histories of Papuan-speaking peoples. Canberra: Pacific Linguistics. (2005).
Foley, William A. The languages of New Guinea, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia (2006)
Dedicated page on wikipedia : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sepik_languages
Please do not hesitate to contact us should you have more information on this language: contact@sorosoro.org